Guys, guys, guys. Something really cool just happened.
It's funny I got this news shortly after wrapping up the NaNoWriMo class I was teaching here in DC. For our last class, I broke from the writing games format, and gave a talk on the methods available to aspiring authors seeking publication today. That led to an honest and engaging discussion with the class about everyone's hopes and fears, dreams and nightmares, all set in the writing world. The message I share with anyone who asks (and many who haven't) is this: Don't write to get rich and famous. Don't write for elite literary recognition. Don't write even in hopes of a mediocre career eking out a living with trashy novels. All these things are too uncertain, and talent alone doesn't assure any of them. Write only if you feel like you couldn't live without writing, because writing for any other reason is completely insane.
The universe is keeping me honest, because I can assure you I'm not rich and famous yet. And while being named a notable book by an online magazine mostly read by publishing nerds may not seem like a big deal to anyone outside of the publishing nerd world, it is a really really really big deal to me. Because about seven months ago, I quit my job. Let me repeat: I quit my really cool, creative and exciting job helping to run a children's book imprint (!) to focus more on my writing. That's how thoroughly I believe that writing books, and getting my books into the hands of readers, is what I was put here to do. It's more than a little nuts, but it feels 100% right to me.
The thing is, it is a looooooooong road to validation with a decision like that. And while I'm pretty sure I'd stick with this lifestyle no matter what -- teaching classes, stitching together an income from freelance work, making my own schedule every day and giving writing time a high place in my priorities -- it is kind of a relief to hear people actually enjoy the results. I feel a little less crazy. I mean, it's still crazy. But now, it's less lock-her-up-crazy and more crazy like that eccentric aunt with the extensive salt and pepper shaker collection who still manages to live an independent life and even remembers to send you a Christmas present every July.
So that's why this is a really important milestone for me.
And it wouldn't be a blog post without an appeal to my readers, would it? I know that you guys are my friends, family, and loyal readers who have been with me for a while now, and most of you have probably already got your copies of Bulfinch. But remember: readers of Notable Books are Notable People. Notable People command the respect and admiration of others, do Notable Things like cross the ocean blue, and make Notable Recommendations. Be a Notable Person, and tell your friends to read Bulfinch. Let's keep this thing rolling.
Oh yeah, get Bulfinch on Amazon here.
Monday, December 29, 2014 at 03:11PM 